AboutDavid Burritt Expertise My expertise is in the area of antique slot machines. Specifically pre 1940 era machines. I have an extensive price history list of slot machines that have been sold on eBay and other auction houses (e.g., Victoria Casino Auctions, Rich Penn Auctions, etc.).
Experience 1. I run a discussion forum on coin operated devices (http://www.coinopcollectorforum.com)
2. I maintain a web site which tracks price trends for antique slot machines (www.AntiqueSlotMachinePriceGuide.com)
3. I published an 8 hour video tape on how to properly restore a Mills slot machine back in the 1990s
4. I published a book (Coin Op On CD) which was distibuted on a CD. This CD had many articles and thousands of photos of antique coin operated devices. It also had many videos of rare and unusual coin operated devices.
This CD has since been published on the web (http://www.ibuyoldslots.com/COCD/)
5. I have written articles on how to identify fake/reproduction slot machines.
Organizations C.O.C.A. (Coin Op Collectors Association)
Education/Credentials Masters degree in Computer Science from University of Southern California
Expert: David Burritt Date: 6/11/2008 Subject: 5 cent Golden nugget slot machine
Question I have an original condition Golden Nugget 5 cent Slot machint. Although the pull handle shows sigh of use the rest of the machine would grade a 9. This machine was never restored and still has the "crackel" black finish. Also had two golden statues and two golden nuggets on front as well as the pay out plate. I know that many of the 25 cent machines are fake. I was offered $1200 sight unseen, except picture, so I suspect it is worth more so I would like to have some sort of idea.
my father was in the coin machine business in the 40's and 50's in New Orleans and I got the machine from him in the 60's.
Answer If, and I must emphasize IF, you do have an ORIGINAL Mills Golden Nugget and not a revamp or reproduction machine, and it is in decent condition then it is worth significantly more that $1,200. If it were not for the fakes out there your machine might be worth a small fortune. However, the fakes have depressed the values of the originals. There are some collectors who don't even want an original in their collection because of all the fakes that are out there. In any case, if it is an original, I think it is worth more than $1,200.
Go to www.AntiqueSlotMachinePriceGuide.com and do a search for Golden Nugget. I know they have data for at least one original that sold at auction a year or so ago.
If the machine is a revamp or a reproduction take the money and run.
